April 18, 2008, 2:33PM

As many of you have heard, Green MI, the magazine that covers environmental news, commentary and views in southern Michigan, is out and about. As I waited (literally) by the trucks last week, I couldn't help but feel like I was poised to receive my adopted child from overseas. When I eagerly popped the bundle open and peered at my... Full story »

April 18, 2008, 2:19PM

Sure, glossy buckthorn and purple loosestrife sound pretty enough, but the havoc they wreak on Michigan's natural landscapes can be devastating. Just as reps from the Dahlem Center attest, these and other invasive species are one of the most pressing environmental issues in our area. For a primer on topic, check out this promo video by the Nature Conservancy (try... Full story »

April 17, 2008, 7:56PM

In its now available Global Monitoring Report, the World Bank has taken a very specific look at the impact of global warming on the developing world. Just to catch you up, this is an update on the progress of the UN's Millennium Development Goals -- a set of 8 objectives crafted by powerful governments and institutions in order to alleviate... Full story »

April 17, 2008, 1:38PM

If rumors could be substantive, then the possibility that Health Canada, a government body, could deem a commonly used component of plastic "dangerous" seems to fall into that category. The announcement regarding the health risks associated with Bisphenol-a, a compound found in everything from baby bottles to other food and beverages containers, could come as early as next week. The... Full story »

April 16, 2008, 12:39PM

Along with the other goodies and activities, you can plan on a little more room in the garage after this Earth Day. The Fitness Council of Jackson is inviting us all to bring new and used bikes -- in any condition, mind you -- for donation. They will be cleaned up and given, with helmets, to locals who need a... Full story »

April 14, 2008, 7:34PM

A press release from Verizon about its phone recycling program reminded me of Recycling Jackson's president Steve Noble's pet issue: responsibly disposing of electronic goods that no longer work or somehow can't keep up with your simultaneous text, order pizza, chat with the girlfriend, book a vacation lifestyle. Verizon's program -- HopeLine -- seems to be a useful one.... Full story »

April 14, 2008, 3:33PM

Just one week away from official celebration No. 38 of what really should be a national holiday. Local news first, the The Jackson Area Outdoor Coalition will host it's 2nd annual Celebrate Earth Day event on Sunday, from 1-4pm at the Cascades/Sparks Foundation Park picnic shelter off Denton Road. Check out theentire schedule here. As if the bowl, slippers,... Full story »

April 07, 2008, 8:43AM

As if I haven't spent enough of my life arguing that country music was no longer the soundtrack to backward, gun-in-the-truck people who still call the Civil War the "war between the states." On my way to work Monday WWWWWWWWWWW hosts Bubba and Katie had to go on lamenting that this green "thing" is getting out of hand. I... Full story »

April 05, 2008, 3:45PM

We have a blow-out on the this topic (with local retailers who are thinking green) coming up in Green MI. But for some general tips on how to think of the Earth when you cover your bod, we go to fashion writer for The Oregonian, Vivian McInerny: • Ask questions. Retailers sell what customers want. If people request sustainable, organic... Full story »

April 04, 2008, 2:07PM

What a time to be proud of our boys. U.S. Reps. John Dingell and Bart Stupak from Michigan are spearheading a Congressional movement to evaluate ties between scientists who provide data for the EPA and chemical industry giants. According to the Post: The lawmakers sent a letter to the chemical industry Wednesday, expanding a probe that began earlier this... Full story »

April 03, 2008, 3:22PM

Former vice-president Al Gore unveiled his 3-year, $300-million dollar advertising campaign aimed at bringing global warming to the forefront of the political discourse this week. The ads, which will be aired on eerily popular shows such as "American Idol" (I can't judget too much; I'm cheering for my fellow Missourian, David Cook) and similar ones typically watched by "non-news" audiences,... Full story »

April 02, 2008, 3:22PM

Credit for that killer title goes to copy editors at The New York Times, where a recent opinion piece examined the connection between migratory birds and the dangers of unregulated pesticide use in Latin America, where the emphasis on spraying crops is putting species such as the North American songbird (left) in danger. Yet one more reason to buy... Full story »

April 01, 2008, 3:23PM

I'm writing an article about how to get your little ones engaged with the environment and conservation for the published-this-month (YeHaw!) Green MI. Until then, check out other ways to breed the ecovibe right into them: Consider taking a trip to Toys 'R Us, who is reported to be launching a line of eco-friendly toys for Earth Day. According to... Full story »

March 31, 2008, 3:43PM

For anyone even remotely interested in alternative energy or the future of plants and animals in the rainforest, you must read Michael Grunwald's cover story in TIME, "The Clean Energy Scam." He writes, as we've pointed out before, that "biofuels do slightly reduce dependence on imported oil, and the ethanol boom has created rural jobs while enriching some farmers and... Full story »

March 28, 2008, 11:59AM

I spent some time earlier this week in our windy neighbor to the south: Chitown. I was thrilled when I could help the Field Museum offset its carbon footprint with a mere dollar added to my entry fee. Then, in addition to its uber-equipped public transportation system, Chicago is also part of the Cool Cities program, where mayors sign onto... Full story »